Weight Gain Inevitable? Not So Fast

For most of us the idea of gaining a few pounds as we age is an assumed fate.

Turns out that while adult weight gain is common, it should not be considered normal or healthy. A recent story on CalorieLab.com outlines why you should combat adult weight gain and how to go about it.

When normal-weight young adults become overweight, their risk of developing a form of arthritis (osteoarthritis) of the knees requiring surgery rises three-fold.

The worst consequence of being overweight may be the greater risk of several cancers, especially colon cancer and post-menopausal breast cancer. A gain of more than 45 pounds during adulthood doubles the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer, while smaller weight gains can raise the risk by 20 percent.

Changing your balance of calories by 100 fewer calories a day–by consuming less or exercising more–would probably be enough to prevent any gradual yearly weight gain.

To prevent weight gain altogether, another study suggests that 45 to 60 minutes a day of walking, yard work or similar activity may be needed.

Yikes. So if you think that weight gain is inevitable as you age, it's time to change your thinking and your lifestyle. The less weight you gain as you age, the less at risk you are for serious problems later in life.

I plan on maintaining a healthy weight throughout my whole life. My mother claims that "you get fat after kids"; since for her that was true. But she was very sedentary and ate a lot of junky food. I plan on eating healthy and exercising until I'm 100 years old. I'm going to be one of those old ladies running marathons :)